When to Plant Cranberries in Garfield County, MT
Cranberries are low-growing, vine-like shrubs that produce tart red berries in fall. They grow in acidic, boggy conditions and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.
Garfield County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 8,464 feet, Garfield County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cranberries to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cranberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Garfield County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Garfield County, MT
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jun 27 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
Soil pH
4 – 5.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
128 days
Growing Tips for Garfield County
Create an acidic, consistently moist bed with peat moss. Cranberries do not need to be flooded to grow; flooding is only used for commercial harvesting. Mulch with sand in early spring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Cranberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cranberries in Garfield County, MT?
Garfield County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Garfield County, MT?
Garfield County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Garfield County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.